HUNTSVILLE, Alabama – The Rocket City's newest barbecue joint is now open, and its employees will hand out free gift cards and meal vouchers during grand opening festivities this week at Bridge Street Town Centre in Huntsville.

Dickey's Barbecue Pit, which launched Saturday in a 1,584-square-foot space next to Mattress Firm, is a Dallas-based restaurant that specializes in seasoned and slow-smoked meats cooked over on-site hickory wood-burning pits.

The Huntsville eatery is Dickey's fourth Alabama location. Bridge Street spokesman Van Geroux said Dickey's will celebrate its grand opening with three days of promotional activities this week:

Thursday 8/21 – Free gift card (valued at up to $50) with $5 purchase to first 50 guests and free meal voucher to next 100 guests.

Friday 8/22 – $2 pulled pork barbecue sandwiches and country music with radio station 102.1 WDRM. One winner will be chosen for a $500 gift card and three winners will receive free barbecue for a year. You must be present to win and 18 years of age or older.

Named Technomic's fastest-growing food chain in the country earlier this year, Dickey's was founded in 1941 and has more than 400 restaurants in 40 states.

The Huntsville location on 6886 Governors West, Suite 112, is open for lunch and dinner. For more information, call 256-270-4425.

In mid-March, Texas de Brazil revealed plans to open its second Alabama location at Bridge Street this fall. The 8,100-square-foot Brazilian steakhouse will take over the former Tavern at Bridge Street spot near Monaco Pictures.